The holiday season is filled with happiness and celebration, but it can also be a time for criminals to take advantage of people.
Most people will be travelling to other cities and others will be coming to visit family and friends in Bethal for the festive season.
Nevertheless, criminals will be around to see what they can.
“This is to sensitize the community about the number of criminal activities that are occurring daily in the CBD and the surrounding areas where poor community members become victims of crime,” said Const Thomas Mogadime,communications officer.
According to him criminals sees December as an opportunity.
Const Mogadime further mentioned that the community must be aware of criminals acting as police officers, showing them identification cards with an SAPS emblem or logo and insisting to assist when you are at an ATM.
“Under no circumstance will a police officer ask you for your bank card and pin number or insist to assist you to withdraw money at an ATM.”
He said that criminals are trying everything to get people distracted.
Other tips he mentioned were:
* Pedestrians should always use sidewalks whenever they are available.
If no sidewalks are available, pedestrians should walk on the shoulder of the roadway and facing traffic.
* Be aware of your surroundings;
* Dress in light coloured clothing;
* Take a cell phone for emergencies.
He also warned residents about remote hacking and urged them to double check if their vehicles are locked.
“We all want to have a blessed festive season with our families and if we get ourselves fooled by criminals, we will never enjoy the festive season,” he said.
In case of emergencies, contact the police at 017 647 9929/30 or dial 112 on your cell phone and ask for your nearest police station.
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